Navigating Israeli Small Claims Court
Israel’s small claims court is where to turn if you have a civil grievance big enough to cause tangible damages, but not big enough for a full blown lawsuit. Most civil grievances of this kind relate to faulty products or services, insurance payments, or damaged property, but can cover most financial matters with easily quantifiable damages.
The Small Claims Court is designed to provide a fast, efficient remedy for civil disputes involving monetary claims of up to ₪38,900. While parties may not be represented by an attorney during the court hearing itself, Aviv Lazar & Co. is here to guide you through every step of the process — from evaluating your claim to drafting your statement and preparing for your day in court.
Before You File: Try to Settle
Before initiating legal action, you should first attempt to resolve the dispute amicably. Reach out to the other party in writing and propose a solution. Even if the matter proceeds to court, this written communication can demonstrate good faith to the judge.
Know Your Defendant
It is your responsibility to collect all relevant details about the defendant — including their full name, ID number, and residential address. The court will not do this for you. If you are having trouble locating this information, the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) may be able to assist.
Fast Facts – Procedure and Technicalities
-
Filing Fee: 1% of the total claim amount, with a minimum fee of ₪50.
-
Jurisdiction: Your claim must be filed in a court that has both subject matter and personal jurisdiction over the dispute.
-
Service of Process: After filing your claim, bring three copies to the court. The court will serve one copy along with a summons to the defendant.
-
Response Time: The defendant has 15 days to file a written defense. If no defense is filed in time, you may request a default judgment.
Building a Strong Claim
As the plaintiff, the burden of proof is on you. That means you must clearly outline the facts of the case and support them with relevant evidence — receipts, messages, contracts, photos, etc. When drafting your claim: Be factual and objective, Avoid emotional language, Be precise and thorough when stating what you're asking for — monetary compensation, reimbursement, repairs, or other relief. If a remedy is not requested, it cannot be awarded
Need Help?
At Aviv Lazar & Co., we’re here to help you prepare your claim and make sure it’s legally sound and strategically presented. Whether you need help drafting the statement or understanding the process, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to get started.